Image Credit: Andris Apse

Iwi

The Hauturu Supporters Trust recognises Ngāti Manuhiri as kaitiaki, or guardians of Hauturu. We are building a partnership with Ngāti Manuhiri to support our shared aspirations for Hauturu as Aotearoa’s most intact and least disturbed ecosystem.

Our aspirations for the island are underpinned by Te Hauturu-ō-Toi/Little Barrier Conservation Management Plan, agreed by Ngāti Manuhiri and the Auckland Conservation Board in 2017.

DOC

Looking after Hauturu is a full-time job. The Department of Conservation (DOC) undertakes the day-to-day management of the island, and several rangers live on Hauturu.

DOC is also responsible for access permits to enable people to visit Hauturu and undertakes a range of activities as set out in Te Hauturu-ō-Toi/Little Barrier Conservation Management Plan, agreed by Ngāti Manuhiri and the Auckland Conservation Board in 2017.

 

Image Credit: Lyn Wade
Image Credit: Andris Apse

Historians, Scientists, Advisors

The Hauturu Supporters Trust has a panel of scientific advisors that it calls on for expert advice to support our work.

The Trust also has a wide informal network of supporters, friends and advocates from the wider scientific and conservation community who contribute to our work in a range of ways.

Patron: Ruud Kleinpaste

Born in Indonesia, Ruud studied  ecology and conservation at Wageningen University in the Netherlands, and developed a strong interest in Entomology. Ruud migrated to New Zealand in 1978, where he worked for the Ministry of Agriculture before moving into the world of media, establishing his persona ‘the bug man’.

Ruud has been a regular magazine columnist, author, commentator and presenter on TV and radio, including Maggie’s Garden Show, What Now, various series for Animal Planet and Discovery Channel, and as host of Newstalk ZB’s Ruud’s Awakening.

Ruud received an Honorary Doctorate from Waikato University in 2008 and the Outstanding Alumnus from his alma mater Wageningen University in 2009. Ruud holds governance and other roles with numerous environmental organisations. In the 2018 New Year Honours, he was appointed an honorary Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to entomology, conservation and entertainment.